Friday, July 3, 1998 Published at 07:01 GMT 08:01 UKClinton's farewell plea for democracyPresident Clinton: "we must work together"On the final day of his visit to China, President Bill Clinton has issued a call
for greater democracy in the countries of Asia.

The president also met one of Hong Kong's prominent pro-democracy politicians, Martin Lee, who is pressing for greater political reform.

The issue of human rights in China has been a recurring theme throughout the trip - which was aimed at furthering what the two countries call a new strategic partnership between them.

Nevertheless, both Chinese and American officials have expressed satisfaction with the visit - one of the most controversial overseas tours of his presidency, and the longest to a single country.

Speaking in Hong Kong on the final day of his nine day tour of China, Mr Clinton said democracy was the path to greater stability and wealth, and was not, as some governments feared, a potential danger.

Mr Clinton praised the people of Indonesia, saying their longing for democratic, responsive government had succeeded in altering their political future.

Mr Clinton said the record turn-out in Hong Kong's elections last May had been a mandate for a faster pace of democracy, and he looked forward to the day when everyone in Hong Kong had full democratic rights.

Pro-democracy politician Martin Lee met Mr Clinton

Mr Lee thanked Clinton for coming to China and addressing the issues of human rights and democracy.

According to Mr Clinton's national security adviser, Sandy Berger, Mr Lee said Hong Kong's first year under Chinese rule had gone well but that the pace of democratic reforms should be accelerated.

Earlier, at a dinner hosted by the Hong Kong Chief Executive, Tung Chee-hwa, Mr Clinton told business leaders that the United States was prepared to do whatever it could to end the financial crisis in Asia.